Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery resident and medical school characteristics: Current paradigm amidst changing application criteria.

PURPOSE: To determine the characteristics of current US Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) residents and their medical school. METHODS: Data were manually collected between Dec 2022 and Jan 2023 for 1649 residents attending 163 US-based ACGME accredited Oto-HNS residency programs, reflecting the 2018-2022 cohort. All data were collected from publicly available sources including residency and medical school program websites, web of science, and professional networking sites (ex: LinkedIn, Doximity). Data were analyzed to determine the "feeder" schools which contributed the greatest number and percent of residents. Using univariable linear regression models, we characterized factors which were associated with feeder school status. RESULTS: Of 1649 residents analyzed, 364 (22 %) matched to their home program and 918 (56 %) stayed in the region of their medical school. The median [IQR] number of published papers and abstracts was 5 [3, 9] with an h-index of 2 [1,4]. Factors associated with producing a greater percent of Oto-HNS residents include presence of an interest group, presence of a home program, USNWR research rank of the medical school, Doximity reputation rank of the home residency program, average pre-residency h-index of the school's graduates, and total NIH research funding (each p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the changing landscape of residency applications after the USMLE Step 1 exam's transition in January 2022 to pass/fail scoring, it is important to objectively characterize current Oto-HNS residents. Findings from this study will inform prospective residents and residency programs seeking to improve access to Oto-HNS. Future small-scale studies may help further identify driving factors within medical school curricula.

Laser Versus Cold Steel for Endoscopic Management of Subglottic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic management of subglottic stenosis (SGS) includes a wide range of techniques. This 17-year review compares treatment outcomes between carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and cold steel. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single tertiary care center. METHODS: A chart review was performed for all patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of SGS at Cleveland Clinic between July 12, 2000 and September 1, 2017. Data collected included demographics, stenosis etiology, stenosis severity, comorbidities, treatment modality, and airway procedure history. The primary endpoint was repeated treatment-free survival (RTFS) within 2 years using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients (median [interquartile range] aged 48.7 [37.8, 57.0] years; 83.4% female) were included in the analysis, with etiologies including idiopathic (56.8%), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (25.2%), and intubation (16.5%). All patients underwent either cold steel (107 patients) or CO2 laser (32 patients) lysis of stenosis with concurrent dilation. RTFS within 2 years was 50.2% for CO2 laser and 31.9% for cold steel (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69, 0.96-2.97, P = .07). In patients with no prior airway procedures, there was no difference in RTFS between laser and cold knife (P = .41). However, in patients with prior airway procedures, RTFS was significantly greater in the laser group, even after adjusting for age, smoking history, and stenosis etiology (50.0% vs 16.8%, adjusted HR and CI: 2.82, 1.14-6.98, P = .025). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic lysis of SGS with CO2 laser should be considered in revision cases.

Impact of Procedural Variation in Endoscopic Dilation for Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: A small number of Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) patients are treated at institutions across the country. Divergence in operative techniques for endoscopic dilation (ED) of iSGS has been anecdotally recognized but not formally characterized. Additionally, the relationship between procedural variation and clinical outcome has not been studied. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the NoAAC iSGS1000 cohort investigated variation in procedural techniques and treatment outcomes in patients treated with ED across high-enrolling treatment centers (enrolled >10 patients in PR-02 trial). RESULTS: Thirteen NoAAC centers each enrolled >10 patients treated with ED for a total of 281 subjects. There was significant variation in procedural details and rate of recurrence among institutions. Hierarchal cluster analysis revealed significant heterogeneity among institutions and clusters in all procedural variables. However, analysis demonstrated a transient delay in disease recurrence in cluster 2 which disappeared with longer longitudinal follow-up. Patient-reported outcome and peak expiratory flow data supported the potential benefit of the technical variation in Cluster 2. Distinct to cluster 2, however, was routine use of adjuvant triple medical therapy (proton pump inhibitor (PPI), antibacterial agent, and steroid inhaler). CONCLUSIONS: Both outcome and procedural technique vary among centers employing ED to treat iSGS. A transient delay in recurrence was observed among centers that routinely prescribed adjuvant medical therapy (antibiotic, inhaled corticosteroid, and PPI) to iSGS patients after endoscopic dilation, which was further supported by patient-reported data and peak expiratory flow data. Prospective studies are needed to understand the effects of adjuvant medical therapy on recurrence after endoscopic dilation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Surgical Management of Airway Stenosis During Pregnancy: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: There are several options for surgical management of subglottic stenosis, including endoscopic and open procedures. However, treatment algorithms, outcomes, and anesthetic management of subglottic stenosis during pregnancy are not well described. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases. REVIEW METHODS: A scoping review of management of subglottic stenosis during pregnancy was performed, and then reported in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria consisted of those with subglottic or tracheal stenosis aged greater than 18 years, those in whom management was performed during pregnancy, and those who reported delivery related outcomes. RESULTS: After systematic review and detailed search of 330 identified articles, 15 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. All studies were case reports or case series (level 4 evidence). This study identified 27 patients. The median age was 29 and the median gestational age at intervention was 28 weeks. Left lateral positioning and fetal heart rate monitoring were used in nearly every case. The most common intervention performed was endoscopic balloon dilation. In many cases, jet ventilation or transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange was satisfactory for maintenance of the airway. Three women ultimately required tracheostomy prior to labor and delivery. There was no fetal death or complications reported in these studies, and all but one woman proceeded to deliver at term. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic balloon dilation during pregnancy is safe and effective, resulting in optimized respiratory outcomes for the mother and safe delivery of the fetus. The third trimester appears to be safe for airway intervention. Laryngoscope, 134:1014-1022, 2024.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Voice-Related Quality of Life Impairment.

OBJECTIVE: Muscle tension in the head and neck may co-occur with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) possibly leading to voice change. Several studies have reported a correlation between TMD and dysphonia. However, literature on TMD and voice-related quality of life (QOL) is scant. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TMD and self-perceived voice-related QOL impairment. METHODS: Patients from TMD clinic were prospectively surveyed on voice-related quality of life using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire. Patients were queried using paper and pen upon initial evaluation in dentistry clinic for temporomandibular disorders by a single dentist or dental assistant in the otolaryngology department. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients completed the VHI. 80% of patients presenting to TMD clinic had VHI scores above zero, but most had minimal to mild impairment. Forty-two patients had scores between 1 and 86, (average 10.98); 11 patients had a score of zero (20.75%). Total average score: 8.70, range: 0-86, median: 4. Functional average score: 3.13, range: 0-29, median: 1. Physical average score: 3.58. range: 0-25, median: 2. Emotional average score: 1.98, range: 0-32, median: 0; these averages did not differ from historical controls. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients presenting to TMD clinic also presented with some level of voice-related QOL impairment, although minimal and consistent with historical VHI controls. Data indicates that TMD disease may be primarily defined as functionally and physically uncomfortable. Incorporation of interdisciplinary care, with laryngology, speech pathology, physical therapy, counseling, and pain management may be warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:315-317, 2024.

Scoping Review of Surgical Rehabilitation of Post Intubation Phonatory Insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Post intubation phonatory insufficiency (PIPI) or posterior glottic diastasis describes posterior glottic insufficiency (PGI) caused by prolonged intubation causing medial arytenoid ulceration, mucosal scarring, and incomplete cricoarytenoid joint adduction. The purpose of this review is to showcase diagnostic findings, surgical rehabilitation, and gaps in our treatment algorithm of PIPI. DATA SOURCES: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science. REVIEW METHODS: Two independent reviewers completed a systematic search of the literature studying PIPI. Reported intubation history, laryngeal defect, clinical symptoms, surgical intervention, and outcomes were gathered from included studies. RESULTS: Nine studies met our inclusion criteria for full review, (45 patients) all of which were case reports/series. All patients had posterior glottic defects, most commonly loss of medial arytenoid tissue, causing varying degrees of PGI. Eleven patients had vocal fold (VF) immobility or hypomobility. Treatment interventions were observation (1), speech therapy (2), VF or posterior glottic injection augmentation (15), medialization laryngoplasty (4), arytenoid repositioning (6), endoscopic (19) or open (3) posterior cricoid reduction, local mucosal rotation flap (11), or free mucosal graft (2) to fill the glottic defect. Observation, voice therapy, and augmentation or type 1 laryngoplasty failed to improve symptoms. Other surgical techniques improved symptoms with varying outcomes. CONCLUSION: PIPI is a difficult injury to diagnosis and treat. Conservative measures and augmentation/laryngoplasty often fail to fix the PGI. Our review supports symptom improvement with reconstruction of the posterior glottic defect with cricoid reduction or mucosal grafts. Future investigation is needed to better define the diagnosis and successful treatment algorithm. Laryngoscope, 134:2048-2058, 2024.

The Role of Bilateral Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block in Managing Refractory Chronic Cough.

OBJECTIVE(S): The aim was to investigate the utilization and efficacy of bilateral superior laryngeal nerve block in patients with refractory chronic cough. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 164 patients with refractory chronic cough who underwent bilateral SLN block at a single institution between November 2018 and September 2022 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, and patient-reported outcomes including pre- and postinjection Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) scores were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The cohort underwent an average of 2.97 bilateral injections (range 1-22), containing either corticosteroid and local anesthetic or corticosteroid alone. Notably, 116 of 164 of patients reported an average of 67.3% reduction in their symptoms, with the treatment effect lasting 7.60 weeks on average. The average pre- and postinjection LCQ scores were 9.70 and 13.82, respectively. A lower LCQ score represents a greater impairment of health status due to cough, and the minimum important change is 1.3 points between questionnaires. The average improvement on LCQ following bilateral SLN block was 4.11 points for this cohort. CONCLUSION: The use of in-office bilateral SLN block is an effective treatment that can be used alone or in conjunction with oral medications for the treatment of refractory chronic cough. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1773-1777, 2024.

The Application of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Non-Cough Laryngeal Hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE(S): To investigate the effect of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block in patients with non-cough complaints relating to laryngeal who have failed conventional medical therapy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 46 patients who underwent SLN block for non-cough indications between July 2019 and March 2022 was performed. Demographics, comorbidities, and patient-reported outcomes were collected. The primary diagnoses for this group included: odynophagia, throat pain, cervicalgia, muscle tension dysphonia, globus sensation, hyoid bone syndrome, and Eagle syndrome. RESULTS: The cohort underwent an average of 1.24 bilateral injections (range 0-7) and 0.87 unilateral injections (range 0-4). About 35 of 46 patients reported an average of 51.0% improvement in their symptoms, with the treatment effect lasting 7.60 weeks on average. On subgroup analysis, the patients with spasmodic dysphonia, odynophagia, and hyoid bone syndrome had the best percent improvement on average (75%-77.5%). Patients with globus sensation had the lowest percent improvement on average in response to this therapy, reporting only about 25%. Five patients experienced a mild adverse reaction immediately following injection which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSION: The use of in-office SLN block for non-cough disorders involving the larynx requires further study with larger sample sizes to better delineate the efficacy of these applications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:1765-1768, 2024.

Reassessing the Role of Phonomicrosurgery and Smoking Status in the Management of Reinke's Edema.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate recurrence patterns of Reinke's edema (RE) following phonomicrosurgery and compare current and former smokers' outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent microflap excision for RE at our institution since 2008. Patient data were collected, including demographics, smoking history, and operative and voice outcomes during the available follow-up period. Descriptive statistics, student's t-tests, Chi-squared analyses, and Fischer's exact tests were used for the appropriate between-group comparisons utilizing JMP statistical software. RESULTS: Patients who quit smoking on the day of surgery or continued to smoke postoperatively were included in our group of current smokers (n = 56). Patients who quit smoking within the month of surgery or longer were included in our group of former smokers (n = 22). There was no significant difference in postoperative voice outcomes between groups. Eight patients in the entire cohort experienced recurrence during the available follow-up period. Fischer's exact test revealed no statistically significant association between smoking status and recurrence (two-tailed p > 0.05). The mean time to recurrence for current smokers who did recur was 69 and 54 months for former smokers. CONCLUSION: We report low overall recurrence rates after microflap excision of RE lesions compared with historical data, without any significant difference in recurrence or voice outcomes when comparing current and former smokers. Further prospective trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to guide the surgical management of RE patients and the implications of smoking status. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 2023.

Interdisciplinary assessment of tracheostomy care knowledge: An opportunity for quality improvement.

PURPOSE: A 2013 AAOHNS consensus statement called for reduced variation in tracheostomy care. Multidisciplinary approaches and standardized protocols have been shown to improve tracheostomy outcomes. This study aims to identify inconsistencies in knowledge in order to design standardized education targeting these areas to improve quality of care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online, multiple-choice tracheostomy care knowledge assessment was administered to nurses and respiratory therapists in ICUs, stepdown units, and regular nursing floors, as well as residents in otolaryngology, general surgery, and thoracic surgery. The survey was administered and data were recorded using the Select Survey online platform. RESULTS: 173 nurses, respiratory therapists, and residents participated in this study. Over 75 % of respondents identified correct answers to questions addressing basic tracheostomy care, such as suctioning and humidification. Significant variation was observed in identification and management of tracheostomy emergencies, and appropriate use of speaking valves. Only 47 % of all respondents identified all potential signs of tracheostomy tube displacement. Respiratory therapists with over 20 years of experience (p = 0.001), were more likely to answer correctly than those with less. Nurses were less likely than respiratory therapists to have received standardized tracheostomy education (p = 0.006) and were less likely than others to choose the appropriate scenario for speaking valve use (p = 0.042), highlighting the need for interdisciplinary education. CONCLUSIONS: An interdisciplinary assessment of tracheostomy care knowledge demonstrates variation, especially in identification and management of tracheostomy emergencies and appropriate use of speaking valves. Design of a standardized educational program targeting these areas is underway.

Mapping Genetic Susceptibility to Stenosis in the Proximal Airway.

OBJECTIVES: Recent translational scientific efforts in subglottic stenosis (SGS) support a disease model where epithelial alterations facilitate microbiome displacement, dysregulated immune activation, and localized fibrosis. Yet despite recent advances, the genetic basis of SGS remains poorly understood. We sought to identify candidate risk genes associated with an SGS phenotype, investigate their biological function, and identify the cell types enriched for their expression. METHODS: The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database was queried for single gene variants associated with an SGS phenotype. The functional intersections and molecular roles of the identified genes were explored using pathway enrichment analysis (PEA) computational methods. Cellular localization of the candidate risk genes was measured via transcriptional quantification in an established single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) atlas of the proximal airway. RESULTS: Twenty genes associated with SGS phenotype were identified. PEA resulted in 24 significantly enriched terms including "cellular response to TGF-ß," "epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition," and "adherens junctions." Mapping the 20 candidate risk genes to the scRNA-seq atlas found 3 (15%) genes were enriched in epithelial cells, 3 (15%) in fibroblasts, and 3 (15%) in endothelial cells. 11 (55%) genes were expressed ubiquitously among tissue types. Interestingly, immune cells were not significantly enriched for candidate risk genes. CONCLUSION: We identify and provide biologic context for 20 genes associated with fibrotic disease of the proximal airway and form the foundation for future detailed genetic study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A Laryngoscope, 133:3049-3056, 2023.

Comparative Treatment Outcomes for Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: 5-Year Update.

The North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC) previously published a 3-year multi-institutional prospective cohort study showing variation in treatment effectiveness between 3 primary surgical techniques for idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). In this report, we update these findings to include 5 years of data evaluating treatment effectiveness. Patients in the NoAAC cohort were re-enrolled for 2 additional years and followed using the prespecified published protocol. Consistent with prior data, prospective observation of 487 iSGS patients for 5 years showed treatment effectiveness differed by modality. Cricotracheal resection maintained the lowest rate of recurrent operation (5%), followed by endoscopic resection with adjuvant medical therapy (30%) and endoscopic dilation (50%). These data support the initial observations and continue to provide value to providers and patients navigating longitudinal decision-making. Level of evidence: 2-prospective cohort study.

Readmission Rates Following Major Head and Neck Surgery With Concurrent Tracheostomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of major head and neck procedures on readmission and complication rates following tracheostomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the 2005 to 2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify tracheostomy patients and to define the underlying head and neck procedure. Patients under the age of 18 and with unknown pre-operative variables were excluded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 3240 tracheostomy patients undergoing major head and neck surgery were identified in NSQIP. The 30-day mortality rate was 104 (3.2%) and 258 (9.0%) patients were readmitted. 637 (19.7%) patients had an unplanned return to the operating room. There were 1606 (49.6%) non-tracheostomy specific complications, which included 850 (26.2%) medical and 1142 (35.2%) surgical complications. On multivariable analysis, we found that the underlying procedures did not impact the risk of readmission (P > .05 for all). The underlying procedure was also not associated with unplanned return to the operating room except for thyroidectomies, which had a lower risk than free tissue graft reconstruction (OR = 0.53 (95%CI 0.31, 0.88), P = .018). CONCLUSION: While almost 1 in every 2 patients had a complication following major head and neck surgery that included creation of a tracheostomy, the rate of readmission is comparatively low and is not associated with the underlying procedure. These findings should reassure head and neck surgeons that properly managed tracheostomies do not constitute a disproportionate risk of readmission.

Historical Review and Modern Case of Spontaneous Laryngeal Abscess.

OBJECTIVE: Laryngeal abscesses are rare in the modern antibiotic era. Historically, they were associated with systemic infections including typhoid fever, measles, gonorrhea, syphilis, and tuberculosis. More recent authors have described cases resulting from iatrogenic injury and immunosuppression. This report presents a novel case of laryngeal abscess in the setting of uncontrolled diabetes and a detailed review of modern, reported cases of spontaneous laryngeal abscess. METHODS: Report of a single case. Also, PubMed was queried for cases of laryngeal abscess since 1985. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old male with poorly controlled diabetes presented with odynophagia, dysphagia, and dyspnea. He had biphasic stridor, and flexible laryngoscopy showed reduced mobility of bilateral vocal folds and narrowed glottic airway. He was taken urgently for awake tracheostomy and microdirect laryngoscopy. Laryngoscopy demonstrated fullness and fluctuance of the right hemilarynx. The abscess cavity was entered endoscopically via paraglottic incision extending into the subglottis. The patient was treated with an 8-week course of ampicillin-sulbactam with resolution of infection. RESULTS: Seven additional cases of spontaneous laryngeal abscesses published after 1985 were identified. In total, 6 of 8 had some form of immunodeficiency (75%). The most common presenting symptoms were dysphonia (8/8, 100%), odynophagia (5/8, 62.5%), and dyspnea/stridor (4/8, 50%). All cases were treated with surgical incision and drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal abscesses are rare in the era of modern antibiotics. This review confirms that the majority of recent episodes occurred in the setting of immunodeficiency and are caused by non-tubercular bacteria. These infections are commonly associated with impaired vocal fold mobility which may contribute to dyspnea, stridor, and airway compromise. Surgical intervention is necessary for treatment and culture-directed antimicrobial therapy. Poorly controlled diabetes is a newly described context for development of spontaneous laryngeal abscess.

An institution-wide tracheostomy rounding team: Initial caregiver perceptions.

PURPOSE: To analyze and present the initial findings of provider perceptions regarding the impact of the implementation of a hospital-wide Tracheostomy Rounding Team (TRT) on the delivery of tracheostomy care at the Cleveland Clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on prior literature, a novel multidisciplinary TRT was designed and implemented at the Cleveland Clinic in December of 2018. After the TRT began clinical care, a previously validated RedCap survey was administered anonymously to 358 caregivers to assess provider experience, comfort, and prior education regarding tracheostomy management. Survey results were collected, and descriptive statistics were applied. Answers were compared between providers who interacted with the TRT clinically and those who did not. RESULTS: 42.9% of providers who interacted with the TRT clinically reported that the TRT improved hands-on assistance with tracheostomy care, and 36.7% reported that the TRT improved the identification of safety concerns. Similarly, 34.7% reported that the TRT improved the overall quality of tracheostomy care at the Cleveland Clinic. Providers with active exposure to the TRT additionally reported statistically higher comfort with multiple topics surrounding tracheostomy care. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of this team improved provider comfort in managing patients with tracheostomies both qualitatively and quantifiably. This intervention offered a perceived benefit to patient care at our institution. Further study of the impact of this team on quantitative patient outcomes is forthcoming.

Considerations and Management of a Laryngeal Fracture after Sneezing.

Non-traumatic laryngeal fracture is uncommon but should be suspected whenever patients present with dysphonia, odynophagia, dysphagia, neck crepitus, or hemoptysis following a sneeze or coughing episode. Physical examination coupled with computed tomography is essential for making the diagnosis. Management can vary depending on the severity of the case, but the general approach is similar to any trauma. In this report, we describe a non-traumatic laryngeal fracture that occurred following a forceful sneeze. The case was notable for the presence of pneumomediastinum, independent mobility of the thyroid ala, and operative intervention was pursued to repair the fracture.

Characterization of Functional Dysphonia: Pre- and Post-Treatment Findings.

OBJECTIVES: Functional dysphonia (FD) is one of the possible presentations of chronic dysphonia. Defined as dysphonia without gross abnormality of the larynx, FD manifests as aberrant muscle contractions resulting in mild-to-severe dysphonia. Despite increasing clinical awareness, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for FD remain challenging. STUDY DESIGN: Institutional review board. METHODS: A retrospective review of videostroboscopic examinations and EMR data from 109 patients treated for FD was performed. Videostroboscopy was analyzed by two independent reviewers and classified by laryngeal posturing and observer-rated quality of voice. Medical records were reviewed and patient characteristics, history of disease, and survey responses were collected. Statistics were calculated using JMP and SAS packages. RESULTS: A total of 85.1% of subjects were female and the average voice handicap index (VHI30) score was 71.0/120. Average time to diagnosis of FD was 688 days and average time from diagnosis to treatment was 3.7 days. 44.0% of patients exhibited hyperadducted laryngeal posturing, 31.9% hypoadducted, and 24.2% showed a mixed posture. 98% of patient voices improved after treatment. 85% returned to normal voice and 10% maintained a mild residual dysphonia. CONCLUSION: We describe here a large cohort of patients affected by FD, including clinical presentation and videostroboscopic findings. Our data show that most individuals with FD improve after specialized voice therapy once correctly diagnosed but that correct diagnosis and proper treatment was often significantly delayed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4-Case-series Laryngoscope, 131:E1957-E1964, 2021.

Utility of Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange for Microlaryngeal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Microlaryngeal surgery typically requires oxygenation and ventilation via either an endotracheal tube (ETT), jet ventilation (JV), or intermittent apnea with an ETT. Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) delivered by high flow nasal cannula has been reported as an alternative technique. This method of apneic oxygenation and ventilation allows for stable, unobstructed visualization of immobile laryngeal structures. We aim to describe the technique and characterize intraoperative parameters related to its safety. STUDY DESIGN: Case Series. METHODS: The electronic medical record was reviewed for patients who underwent microlaryngoscopy using THRIVE technique. Patient demographics, procedural details, operative parameters, and anesthesia records were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were reported. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients underwent microlaryngoscopy using THRIVE as the sole method of ventilation, with 62% female. Median age was 51 years, and median BMI was 25 kg/m2 . Most patients were ASA class 2, and most had a Mallampati score of 2. The most common surgical indications were subglottic stenosis, vocal fold lesions, and vocal fold paralysis. Median apnea time was 16 minutes. At the end of case, median end tidal CO2 was 50 mmHg, and median minimum SpO2 was 95. Six cases required supplementation of THRIVE with JV or tracheal intubation for sustained oxygen desaturation. There was an increase in end tidal CO2 of 0.844 mmHg/min of apneic time. CONCLUSIONS: THRIVE is a safe and effective technique for oxygenation and ventilation in microlaryngeal, non-laser surgery in appropriately selected patients. To ensure safety, back-up plans such as jet ventilation and microlaryngeal ETT should be available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:587-591, 2021.

Office-Based Lower Airway Endoscopy: Feasibility and Safety.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to identify the ease and safety of office-based lower airway endoscopy (OLAE) in patients with and without comorbidities. In addition, we identified the most common indications for OLAE and the associated diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective review on 567 patients and 706 in-office flexible fiberoptic procedures was performed. Using a previously established grading system, the ease of visualization of the subglottis, trachea, and carina was assessed, in addition to the overall ease of the exam. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-eight videos were available for review. Of those, 105 videos included an OLAE, accounting for 21.5% of all procedures. Laryngomalacia was the most common diagnosis in 35 of 105 (36%) OLAE. For all laryngomalacia cases, the overall ease was found to be on average 2.15 (standard error 0.12). Fisher exact testing showed a statistical significance in the ability to visualize the trachea between the types of Laryngomalacia (LM) (P = .035). Fisher exact testing was performed comparing LM types I, II, or III, and combined types of LM; no statistical difference was found between groups. In 4.76% of OLAE procedures, a subglottic pathology was diagnosed. Comorbidities were found in OLAE 26 of 105 patients. There were no complications identified. CONCLUSION: We found OLAE more challenging than previously reported. OLAE of combined types of laryngomalacia was subjectively more difficult, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. OLAE continues to be a safe alternative to operative laryngoscopy in pediatric patients and appears safe in those with comorbidities when precautions are taken. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 131:E649-E652, 2021.